Over-Ear
Focal Bathys
86Outstanding
$799
Full review dataFocal Bathys vs STAX SR-X5: which should you buy?
Specs, scores and condensed review verdicts for the Focal Bathys vs STAX SR-X5, side by side. Where a product has no HearWiki score yet, not enough reviews have been aggregated to rate it.
Over-Ear
STAX SR-X5
Not yet scored
$500
Full review dataScore breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
Focal Bathys
Sound9.5
Noise cancelling7.5
Battery8.5
Value7.0
STAX SR-X5
No sub-scores yet - not enough rated reviews.
Specifications
| Spec | Focal Bathys | STAX SR-X5 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Price (USD) | $799 | $500 |
| HearWiki score | 86 / 100 · Outstanding | Not scored |
| Released | 2022 | 1976 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | 40mm Aluminium/Magnesium ‘M’-shaped dome | electrostatic |
| Driver size | 40 mm | - |
| Drivers per side | 2 | - |
| Frequency response | 15Hz-22kHz | - |
| Wireless | ||
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | - |
| Bluetooth version | 5.1 | - |
| Codecs | AAC, aptX, aptX Adaptive, SBC | - |
| Multipoint pairing | Yes | - |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 30 h | - |
| Battery life (ANC on) | 30 h | - |
| Quick charge | 5 hours in 15 minutes | - |
| Wireless charging | No | - |
| Features | ||
| Active noise cancelling | Yes | - |
| ANC type | hybrid | - |
| Transparency mode | Yes | - |
| Voice assistant | Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa | - |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 350 g | 390 g |
| Water resistance | none | - |
| USB-C | Yes | - |
| Model code | - | SR-5 |
| Calls | ||
| Microphones | 8 | - |
What reviewers said
Focal Bathys
The Focal Bathys are premium wireless over-ears that blend high-fidelity audio with everyday convenience. They feature adaptive ANC, a USB-C DAC mode for hi-res wired listening, and support for aptX Adaptive, making them a top pick for sound-focused users who also want wireless flexibility. While their noise cancellation is solid but not the absolute best in class, their impressive battery life and versatile connectivity options stand out in the premium segment.
- Pro:Excellent sound quality with detailed, dynamic drivers
- Pro:USB-C DAC mode enables high-resolution wired audio
- Pro:Strong battery life, often exceeding rated figures in tests
- Con:ANC is competent but not class-leading
- Con:High price point limits accessibility
- Con:Real-world wireless endurance may fall short of claims in some scenarios
STAX SR-X5
The STAX SR-X5 is a vintage electrostatic headphone from the late 1970s and 1980s, offering a wide frequency range and high output capability. It demands a dedicated energizer or adapter to function, making it a niche choice for enthusiasts of classic electrostatic sound.
- Pro:Wide frequency response for detailed treble
- Pro:High maximum output level for an older design
- Pro:Classic electrostatic clarity and low distortion
- Con:Requires separate adapter or energizer to operate
- Con:Aging design may have limited parts availability
- Con:Heavier than modern electrostatic models
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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